Cosmetic Compositions and Methods for Using Same to Improve the Aesthetic Appearance of Skin

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to compositions useful in treating hyperpigmentation and the various signs of dermatological aging in human skin. The present invention also relates to cosmetic compositions and methods of using such compositions that improve the aesthetic appearance of skin. Further, the present invention relates to methods of applying the compositions to the skin to effect treatment and to improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, particularly, by providing anti-aging benefits to the skin.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application that claims priority to, and thebenefit of, each of the following three applications: co-pending U.S.Ser. No. 13/584,136, filed Aug. 13, 2012; which is a continuation ofU.S. Ser. No. 10/436,310, filed May 12, 2003; which is acontinuation-in-part application that claims priority to, and thebenefit of U.S. Ser. No. 09/741,383, filed Dec. 20, 2000. The contentsof each of the three aforementioned applications are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to compositions useful in treatinghyperpigmentation and the various signs of dermatological aging in humanskin. The present invention also relates to cosmetic compositions andmethods of using such compositions that improve the aesthetic appearanceof skin. Further, the present invention relates to methods of applyingthe compositions to the skin to effect treatment and to improve theaesthetic appearance of skin, particularly, by providing anti-agingbenefits to the skin.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Human skin color is determined primarily by the content of the pigmentmelanin in the basal epidermis layer. Melanin is synthesized by theprocess of melanogenesis within melanocytes (pigment-producing cells).Melanin is deposited onto melanosomes, which are transferred tokeratinocytes in the basal epidermal layer. Melanosomes present in thesebasal keratinocytes are the key determinants of skin color. Thekeratinocytes leave the basal layer and undergo differentiation formingthe cornified top layer of the skin. Once the keratinocytes leave thebasal layer, the melanosomes lose their characteristic electron densestructure, and the load of melanin is carried to the surface of the skinby the differentiating keratinocytes.

The skin can become hyperpigmented when too much melanin concentrates atone area or portion of the skin due to the retention time of themelanosomes in the basal layer. Hyperpigmentation can also occur as aresult of overexposure to the sun or other inflammatory stimuli.Hyperpigmentation can take the form of solar lentigines (age spots),ephilides (freckles), melasma, chloasma, and pigmented keratoses.

The prior art discloses ways to treat hyperpigmentation by applicationof skin lightening agents. Representative skin lightening agents includehydroquinone and Vitamin C. Such agents typically lighten the skin byinhibiting the expression of tyrosinase enzymes involved inmelanogenesis.

It would be desirable to have a way to treat hyperpigmentation byapplication of agents that reduce the ability of epidermal cells toretain melanin. A reduction in ability to retain melanin would speed thetransfer of the melasonomes to the keratinocytes and allow existinghyperpigmented portions of the skin to be lightened or de-pigmentedfaster than with conventional skin lightening agents, which actprimarily to inhibit the formation of new melanin.

There is active contemporary interest in the cosmetics industry todevelop products that may be applied topically to the skin that provideanti-aging, hydrating, and/or skin texturizing benefits. Cosmeticproducts, which enhance the appearance of skin, are increasingly indemand. Consumers are interested in mitigating or delaying the signs ofaged or photo-aged skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, drying, andsagging skin. During the aging process, the complexion of the skin,i.e., the color and appearance of the skin, deteriorates slowly fromaging and/or exposure to sunlight. Cosmetic surgery can be used as atreatment for aged skin. However, such treatment is costly and carriesthe risks normally associated with anesthesia and surgery.Alternatively, cosmetic products that provide anti-aging benefits arehighly desirable, to both manufacturers and consumers.

The number of cosmetic products directed to help the skin of consumerslook younger and less wrinkled is steadily increasing. Commonly, suchproducts contain exfoliating acids as active ingredients. Suchanti-aging active ingredients include, for example, a-hydroxy acids(e.g., lactic, glycolic, citric), b-hydroxy acids (e.g., salicylic;5-n-octanoylsalicylic acids) and retinoids (retinoic acids; retinol). Itis known that these anti-aging active ingredients have a significantdisadvantage in that they frequently are associated with consumerdiscomfort characterized by burning, smarting, itching or sensation oftightness after application. There remains a general need in thecosmetics industry for products that retard or counter aging effects onthe skin, and more specifically for products that produce such effectswithout undesirable side effects.

Also, in spite of the various anti-aging cosmetic products on the marketfor the treatment of skin, there remains a need for effective anti-agingcompositions that can be applied topically to the skin. Moreparticularly, there remains a need for topically applied cosmeticcompositions that have anti-aging and skin texture benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a composition andmethod for treating, preventing and/or ameliorating hyperpigmentation ofhuman skin.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a compositionand method for treating, preventing and/or ameliorating the signs ofdermatological aging of human skin.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide cosmeticcompositions and methods of using such cosmetic compositions thatimprove the aesthetic appearance of skin and remediate the effects ofaging skin and signs of aging on skin.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such acomposition and method that has one or more agents that decrease theretention time of melanosomes at the basal layer. This is achieved byinhibiting the ability of epidermal cells to retain or uptakemelanin/melanosomes and/or increase the rate of transport of basalkeratinocytes to the surface of the skin.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by amethod and composition that comprises (a) a de-pigmenting agent oranti-aging agent in an amount effective to prevent, treat and/orameliorate pigmentation or the various signs of aging at an area of skinto which it is applied, and (b) a cosmetically or pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicle. Suitable de-pigmenting agents include3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, thiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid,Kaempferol-7-glucoside, perilla oil, and clofibrate and clofibrateanalogs and/or derivatives, as well as those set forth below. Suitableanti-aging agents include 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid and/or itsderivatives.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for de-pigmenting compositions containingan effective amount of one or more depigmenting agents which, whenapplied to human skin, prevent, treat and/or ameliorate pigmentation atthe area or portion of skin to which they are applied. The compositionsare effective at reducing or diminishing pigmented areas or portions ofthe skin such as age spots, freckles, melasma, chloasma, and pigmentedkeratoses. The compositions are topically applied to the skin.

The present invention also provides for anti-aging compositionscontaining an effective amount of one or more ingredients which, whenapplied to human skin, prevent, treat and/or ameliorate the varioussigns of aging at the area or portion of skin to which they are applied.The present invention provides anti-aging benefits to and improves theaesthetic appearance of the skin. In particular, the present inventionprovides compositions and methods for treating skin to prevent, inhibit,reduce and/or ameliorate the signs of dermatological aging due to, forexample, chronological aging, hormonal aging, and/or photoaging. Suchsigns of aging include, but are not limited to skin fragility; loss ofcollagen and/or elastin; estrogen imbalance in skin; skin atrophy;appearance and/or depth of lines and/or wrinkles, including fine lines;skin discoloration, including dark eye circles; skin sagging; skinfatigue and/or stress, e.g. skin breakout due to environmental stress,such as pollution and/or temperature changes; skin dryness; skinflakiness; cellular aging; loss of skin tone, elasticity and/or luster;loss of skin firmness; poor skin texture; loss of skin elasticity and/orresiliency; and thin skin.

The benefits and improvements to the aesthetic appearance of skin can bemanifested in any of the following: reduction in pore size; improvementin skin tone, radiance, clarity and/or tautness; promotion ofanti-oxidant activity; improvement in skin firmness, plumpness,suppleness, and/or softness; improvement in procollagen and/or collagenproduction; improvement in skin texture and/or promotion ofretexturization; improvement in skin barrier repair and/or function;improvement in appearance of skin contours; restoration of skin lusterand/or brightness; replenishment of essential nutrients and/orconstituents in the skin decreased by aging and/or menopause;improvement in communication among skin cells; increase in cellproliferation and/or multiplication; increase in skin cell metabolismdecreased by aging and/or menopause; improvement in skin moisturization;promotion and/or acceleration of cell turnover; enhancement of skinthickness; increase in skin elasticity and/or resiliency; andenhancement of exfoliation, with or without the use of alpha or betahydroxy acids, keto acids or other exfoliants.

A first embodiment of the present composition has a compoundcorresponding to the following Formula (I):

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group ofsubstituents consisting of hydrogen; alkyls, substituted orunsubstituted, branched or linear; alkenyls, substituted orunsubstituted, branched or linear, and having up to 5 double bonds;alkynyls, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear and having upto 5 triple bonds; aryls, substituted or unsubstituted; cycloalkyls,substituted and unsubstituted; and cycloalkenyls, substituted andunsubstituted. Formula I compounds shall be referred to herein as either“de-pigmenting agents” or “anti-aging agents”.

Preferably, the Formula I compound is 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, whereinR₁ and R₂ are hydrogen.

A second embodiment of the present composition has a de-pigmenting agentcorresponding to formula II:

wherein R₃ and R₄ are defined the same as R₁ and R₂ in formula (I)above; in addition, R₃ can be an acyl group; wherein “n” is an integerfrom 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 3, and most preferably 1 to 2.

Preferably, the de-pigmenting composition of Formula II isthiazolidine-2-carboxylic acid, wherein R₃ and R₄ are hydrogen and n=1.

In a third embodiment of the present composition, the de-pigmentingagent is perilla oil. Perilla oil is derived from the seeds of the mintof the genus Perilla.

In a fourth embodiment of the present composition, the de-pigmentingagent is clofibrate or a clofibrate analog or derivative. Clofibrate isethyl 2-(p-chlorophenoxy)isobutyrate, which corresponds to the followingformula (IV):

A fifth embodiment of the present composition has a de-pigmenting agentcorresponding to the following formula (III):

wherein R₅, R₆, and R₇ are as defined as for R₁ and R₂ in formula (I)above.

Preferably, the de-pigmenting agent of Formula III iskaempferol-7-glycoside wherein R₅, R₆ and R₇ are hydrogen.Kaempferol-7-glycoside is believed to reduce pigmentation by inhibitingtyrosinase but may also reduce pigmentation by alternate pathways.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the de-pigmenting agentis a combination of one or more of the above de-pigmenting agents.Preferably, the combination includes de-pigmenting agents that utilizedifferent mechanisms of action. A preferred combination includeskaempferol-7-glucoside and perilla oil or clofibrate (or a clofibrateanalog or derivative).

The de-pigmenting agent is present in the composition at an amounteffect to prevent, treat, or ameliorate pigmentation at the area orportion of skin to which it is applied. The de-pigmenting agent ispreferably present at about 0.0001 percentage by weight (wt %) to about98 wt %, more preferably at about 0.001 wt % to about 30 wt %, and mostpreferably at about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt % based on the total weightof the composition. The composition is preferably applied to anaffective area of skin for a period of time prevent, treat, orameliorate pigmentation of the area of skin to which the composition isapplied. As can be understood by those in the art, the amount of timesper day and the period of time that the composition is to be applied tobe effective will vary according to the percentage of active used in thecomposition, the additional ingredients in the composition (e.g.,whether or not there is a penetration enhancer or additionaldepigmenting agents), as well as other factors known by those skilled inthe art.

The anti-aging agent is present in the composition at an amount effectto prevent, treat, or ameliorate the various signs of aging in the areaor portion of skin to which it is applied. The anti-aging agent ispreferably present at about 0.0001 percentage by weight (wt %) to about98 wt %, more preferably at about 0.001 wt % to about 30 wt %, and mostpreferably at about 0.05 wt % to about 10 wt % based on the total weightof the composition. The composition is preferably applied to anaffective area of skin for a period of time to improve the aestheticappearance of the area of skin to which the composition is applied. Ascan be understood by those in the art, the amount of times per day andthe period of time that the composition is to be applied to be effectivewill vary according to the percentage of active used in the composition,the additional ingredients in the composition (e.g., whether or notthere is a penetration enhancer or additional anti-agents), the targetedimprovement as well as other factors known by those skilled in the art.

In particular, the present invention provides compositions and methodsfor treating skin to prevent, inhibit, reduce and/or ameliorate thesigns of dermatological aging due to, for example, chronological aging,hormonal aging, and/or photoaging. Such signs of aging include, but arenot limited to skin fragility; loss of collagen and/or elastin; estrogenimbalance in skin; skin atrophy; appearance and/or depth of lines and/orwrinkles, including fine lines; skin discoloration, including dark eyecircles; skin sagging; skin fatigue and/or stress, e.g. skin breakoutdue to environmental stress, such as pollution and/or temperaturechanges; skin dryness; skin flakiness; cellular aging; loss of skintone, elasticity and/or luster; loss of skin firmness; poor skintexture; loss of skin elasticity and/or resiliency; and thin skin.

The benefits and improvements to the aesthetic appearance of skin can bemanifested in any of the following: reduction in pore size; improvementin skin tone, radiance, clarity and/or tautness; promotion ofanti-oxidant activity; improvement in skin firmness, plumpness,suppleness, and/or softness; improvement in procollagen and/or collagenproduction; improvement in skin texture and/or promotion ofretexturization; improvement in skin barrier repair and/or function;improvement in appearance of skin contours; restoration of skin lusterand/or brightness; replenishment of essential nutrients and/orconstituents in the skin decreased by aging and/or menopause;improvement in communication among skin cells; increase in cellproliferation and/or multiplication; increase in skin cell metabolismdecreased by aging and/or menopause; improvement in skin moisturization;promotion and/or acceleration of cell turnover; enhancement of skinthickness; increase in skin elasticity and/or resiliency; andenhancement of exfoliation, with or without the use of alpha or betahydroxy acids, keto acids or other exfoliants.

When a composition according to the present invention includes a FormulaI compound, the compositions on are preferably used in methods ofimproving, ameliorating or treating the following signs of aging skin:texture, clarity, pigmentation (mottled and/or discrete), fine wrinkles,coarse wrinkles, sallowness, laxness, sagging, turgor, undereyepuffiness, and/or overall photodamage. Preferably, the Formula Icompound is 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid and/or a derivative thereof. Mostpreferably, the Formula I compound is 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid.

The compositions of the present invention comprise a pharmaceuticallyand/or cosmetically acceptable vehicle to provide bulk and physicalform. Preferably, the vehicle is hypoallergenic, as allergens and otherirritating agents exacerbate pigmentation. Suitable vehicles include,but are not limited to, cetyl alcohol, ethanol, glycerin, myristylpalmitate, polyvinyl alcohol, propylene glycol, propanol, and water, andmixtures thereof. The depigmenting/anti-aging agent is admixed with thevehicle(s) along with any other adjuvants or ingredients to form thetopical composition. The compositions of the present invention may alsoinclude actives in the form of liposomes.

The present composition may take any suitable form such as a solution,cream, serum, stick, patch, mask, towelette, lotion, emulsion, ointmentor gel.

The present composition may optionally have one or more of the followingingredients: anesthetics, antiallergenics, antimicrobial agents,antiseptics, chelating agents, colorants, demulcents, emollients,emulsifiers, exfolients, fragrances, humectants, lubricants,moisturizers, preservatives, skin penetration enhancers, stabilizers,surfactants, thickeners, viscosity modifiers, vitamins, and mixturesthereof.

The present invention may also include conventional cosmetic acitiveagents, such as other conventional hypopigmenting agents, such ashydroquinone, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and/or licorice extract;retinoids, such as retinol or retinoic acid; anti-inflammatory agents,such as bisabolol, anti-acne agents, such as salicylic acid; exfoliants,such as alpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, keto acids, oxa acidsor oxa diacids (disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,847,003 and 5,834,513);ascorbyl-phosphoryl-cholesterol (disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,147);sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate, octylsalicylate, octocrylene, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, methylenebis-benzotriazoylteramehtylbuthylphenol (MBBT), bis-ethylhexyl oxyphenolmethoxyphenol triazine (BEMT); or anti-aging agents; or any combinationthereof. When conventional hypopigmenting agents are included in acomposition of the present invention, it is preferred that thehypopigmenting agent has a mechanism of action that complements themechanism of action of the depigmenting agent of the present invention.Preferred alpha-hydroxy acids include lactic acid, glycolic acid, or amixture thereof. The preferred oxa diacid is 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioicacid.

Formula I compounds, preferably 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, may be usedto enhance the effectiveness of other skin care actives, such as thosedisclosed above and those skin care actives disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,492,326 at col. 5, lines 9 through col. 20, line 50, which isincorporated herein by reference.

EXAMPLE

Ingredient wt % De-pigmenting agent or anti-aging agent 0.001 to 98 e.g.(3,3′-thiodipropionic acid) pH adjusting agent (e.g. ammonium 0.001 to 4Humectants (e.g. glycols, glycerols) 0.5 to 15 Thickeners (e.g. gums,starches polymers) 0.1 to 4 Chelating Agents (e.g. EDTA) 0.001 to 0.5Emollients (e.g. isopropyl myristate, fatty esters) 1 to 10 Silicones(cyclomethicone-pentamer) 0.1 to 15 Preservative (e.g. parabens) 0.01 to2 Alcohols (e.g. ethanol) 0 to 10 Antioxidants (e.g. vitamin E acetate)0.01 to 5 Anti-inflammatory (e.g. bisabolol) 0.01 to 10 Sunscreen (e.g.titanium dioxide/benzophenone-3, 0.01 to 15 Butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane) Water q.s.

When the compositions of the present invention are used to improve theaesthetic appearance of skin or to improve, ameliorate and/or treat thesigns of aging skin, the preferred anti-aging agent is3,3′-thiodipropionic acid. It is more preferred that in addition to3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, the cosmetic composition includes at leastone ingredient selected from the group consisting of: palmatoyltetrapeptide-3 (available under the trade name RIGIN from Sederma,France), Gymnostemma pentaphyllum and/or an extract therefrom, Stenolamachusana and/or an extract therefrom, Morinda citrifolia and/or anextract therefrom, Butea frondosa and/or an extract therefrom, Luteoline7-beta-glucoside, Chlorosalicylic Acid, Naringi crenulata and/or anextract therefrom, Methylthioadenosine, Ferutinin, Ilex purpurea and/oran extract therefrom, Asmunda japonica and/or an extract therefrom,Rhapontin, Uncaria gambir and/or an extract therefrom, lopanic acid,Ellagic acid, 2,4,6,3,4-pentahydroxychalcone, Ligusticum chianxiong oran extract therefrom, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and/or an extracttherefrom, Aframomum melegueata and/or an extract therefrom, 2′amino4,5-methyl thiazole, or any combination thereof. More preferably, thecosmetic composition contains at least two ingredients selected from theforegoing group.

The present invention having been described with particular reference tothe preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes andmodifications may be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As usedherein, singular can mean plural.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic composition comprising: a compoundaccording to Formula (I):

wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently selected from the group ofsubstituents consisting of hydrogen; alkyls, substituted orunsubstituted, branched or linear; alkenyls, substituted orunsubstituted, branched or linear, and having up to 5 double bonds;alkynyls, substituted or unsubstituted, branched or linear and having upto 5 triple bonds; aryls, substituted or unsubstituted; cycloalkyls,substituted and unsubstituted; and cycloalkenyls, substituted andunsubstituted, and wherein the Formula I compound is present in anamount effective to improve the aesthetic appearance of skin.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein the Formula I compound is present fromabout 0.0001 wt % to about 98 wt % based on the total weight of thecomposition.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the Formula Icompound is present from about 0.001 wt % to about 30 wt % based on thetotal weight of the composition.
 4. The cosmetic composition of claim 1,wherein the Formula I compound is 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid.
 5. Thecosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising an ingredientselected from the group consisting of hydroquinone, ascorbic acid,licorice extract, retinoid, bisabolol, salicylic acid, an oxa acid, oxadiacid, an alpha hydroxy acid, a beta hydroxy acid, a keto acid, and anycombination thereof.
 6. The cosmetic composition of claim 5, wherein theingredient is selected from the group consisting of: lactic acid,glycolic acid, 3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid, and any combinationthereof.
 7. The cosmetic composition of claim 1, further comprising aningredient selected from the group consisting of palmatoyltetrapeptide-3, Gymnostemma pentaphyllum and/or an extract therefrom,Stenolama chusana and/or an extract therefrom, Morinda citrifolia and/oran extract therefrom, Butea frondosa and/or an extract therefrom,Luteoline 7-beta-glucoside, chlorosalicylic Acid, Naringi crenulataand/or an extract therefrom, methylthioadenosine, ferutinin, Ilexpurpurea and/or an extract therefrom, Asmunda japonica and/or an extracttherefrom, rhapontin, Uncaria gambir and/or an extract therefrom,iopanic acid, ellagic acid, 2,4,6,3,4-pentahydroxychalcone, Ligusticumchianxiong or an extract therefrom, Azadirachta indica (Neem) and/or anextract therefrom, Aframomum melegueata and/or an extract therefrom,2′amino 4,5-methyl thiazole, or any combination thereof.
 8. A method forimproving the aesthetic appearance of skin comprising topically applyingto the skin a cosmetically effective amount of the composition accordingto claim
 1. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the Formula I compound is3,3′-thiodipropionic acid.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein theimprovements are one or more improvements selected from the groupconsisting of: reduction in dermotological signs of chronological aging,hormonal aging and/or photoaging; reduction in skin fragility; reductionin pore size; prevention and/or reversal of loss of collagen and/orelastin; ameliorating the effects of estrogen imbalance on skin;prevention of skin atrophy; prevention and/or reduction in appearanceand/or depth of lines and/or wrinkles; prevention, reduction and/ortreatment of hyperpigmentation; improvement in skin tone, radiance,clarity and/or tautness; prevention, reduction, and/or amelioration ofskin sagging; promotion of anti-oxidant activity; improvement in skinfirmness, plumpness, suppleness and/or softness; improvement inprocollagen and/or collagen production; improvement in skin textureand/or promotion of retexturization; improvement in skin barrier repairand/or function; improvement in appearance of skin contours; restorationof skin luster and/or brightness; minimization of dermatological signsof fatigue and/or stress; resistance to environmental stress;replenishment of essential nutrient and/or constituents of in the skindecreased by aging and/or menopause; improvement in communication amongskin cells; increase in cell proliferation and/or multiplication;increase in skin cell metabolism decreased by aging and/or menopause;retardation of cellular aging; inhibition of enzymes in the skin thataccelerate aging of skin cells; minimization of skin dryness and/orimprovement in skin moisturization; minimization of skin discoloration;promotion and/or acceleration of cell turnover; enhancement of skinthickness; increase in skin elasticity and/or resiliency; andenhancement of exfoliation.
 11. The method of claim 8, wherein theimprovements are one or more improvements selected from the groupconsisting of; reduction in dermatological signs of chronological aging,hormonal aging and photo aging; prevention and/or reduction inappearance and/or depth of lines and/or wrinkles; improvement in skintone, radiance, clarity and/or tautness; improvement in skin firmness,plumpness, suppleness, and/or softness; and improvement in skin textureand/or promotion of retexturization.
 12. The method of claim 8, whereinthe improvements are one or more improvements selected from the groupconsisting of minimization of dermatological signs of fatigue and/orstress; resistance to environmental stress; improvement in procollagenand/or collagen production; prevention and/or reversal of loss ofcollagen and/or elastin; minimization of skin dryness and/or improvementin skin moisturization; enhancement of skin thickness; increase in skinelasticity and/or resiliency; ameliorating the effects of estrogenimbalance in the skin; and enhancement of exfoliation.
 13. A method oftreating skin comprising topically applying to the skin the compositionof claim 1 in an amount effective to prevent, ameliorate, inhibit and/orreduce signs of dermatological aging.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the Formula I compound is 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the signs of aging are skin fragility; lossof collagen and/or elastin; estrogen imbalance in skin; skin atrophy;appearance and/or depth of lines and wrinkles; skin discoloration; skinsagging; skin fatigue and/or stress; skin dryness; skin flakiness;cellular aging; loss of skin tone, clarity and/or luster; loss of skinfirmness; poor skin texture; loss of skin elasticity and/or resiliency;and thin skin.
 16. A topical composition, comprising: a) a firstcompound according to Formula I:

and: (b) a second compound selected from the group consisting of: (ii)

wherein n is an integer from 1 to 4; (iii)

(iv) perilla oil; (v) clofibrate or an analog/derivative thereof; and(vi) any combination thereof; and c) a vehicle, wherein thede-pigmenting agent is present in an amount effective to prevent,ameliorate or treat the hyperpigmentation of the skin.
 17. Thecomposition of claim 16, further comprising an ingredient selected fromthe group consisting of hydroquinone, ascorbic acid, licorice extract,retinoid, bisabolol, salicylic acid, an oxa acid, oxa diacid, an alphahydroxy acid, a beta hydroxy acid, a keto acid, and any combinationthereof.
 18. The composition of claim 17, wherein the ingredient isselected from the group consisting of: lactic acid, glycolic acid,3,6,9-trioxaundecanedioic acid, and any combination thereof.